ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif will visit Moscow on Monday for a four-day official visit to Russian at the invitation of his Russian Counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
During his stay in Moscow, Khawaja Asif will hold official talks with his Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The two sides would deliberate upon the entire spectrum of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. In addition, the parties will discuss cooperation in the field of energy.
In a statement issued in Islamabad on Monday, the Foreign Office said Khawaja Asif’s visit to Russia would provide opportunity to explore ways and means to further strengthen cooperation in political, economic, trade and investment, defence, education and cultural fields.
“Russia enjoys a special place in our foreign policy. The relations between the two countries have been growing steadily in all fields. Regular high level exchanges between the two countries in the last few years is a manifestation of mutual desire of both sides for translating political good will into a substantive and multidimensional partnership,” the statement said.
“The two countries are also celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.”
The two foreign ministers had earlier met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York in September 2017.
Dispatch News Desk (DND) from Moscow adds:
Asif Khawaja visit is scheduled for February 20. During this meeting, Asif meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
During the talks, the parties discuss the prospects for the development of bilateral relations, exchange views on topical issues on the international and regional agenda – in particular, the fight against terrorism.Also, through the trade turnover (in 2017 it was estimated at $ 500 million).
In addition, the parties will discuss cooperation in the field of energy.
The previous meeting between Lavrov and Asif took place on September 21, 2017 in New York “on the sidelines” of the 72nd Session of the UN Assembly.